Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States. Glaucoma, known as the "sneak thief of sight," can affect patients of all ages. Many people affected with glaucoma do not experience any symptoms and may not be aware that they have the disease until they have lost a significant amount of vision. With early detection and treatment, eyes can be protected against the serious loss of vision or blindness.
Glaucoma can affect anyone from newborn infants to the elderly. It has been estimated that up to 3 million Americans have glaucoma. At least half of those people do not know they have glaucoma because it usually has no symptoms.

Types of Glaucoma

There are several types of glaucoma with two main types: open-angle and angle-closure.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma where the fluid in the eye drains too slowly through the network of tiny drainage channels, known as the trabecula. The pressure in the eye increases as the fluid in the eye continues to build. Loss of vision occurs gradually and the vision loss is not always noticed until it becomes irreversible. About 95 percent of glaucoma cases are due to open-angle glaucoma.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the tiny drainage channels, known as the trabecula, become blocked which then causes a sudden rise in pressure in the eye. This condition is not common but when it occurs it requires immediate medical attention.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Everyone is at risk for developing glaucoma. Those at greater risk meet the following criteria:

Are at least 45 years old without regular eye exams
Have a family history of glaucoma
Have abnormally high eye pressure
Are of African descent
Are Hispanic and older than 60
Are nearsighted
Have thin corneas
Have diabetes
Have a previous eye injury
Regularly use cortisone/steroid products

Diagnosis of Glaucoma

To detect glaucoma, the physician will perform the following tests:

Visual acuity
Visual field
Tonometry
Dilated-eye examination
Retinal evaluation
Pachymetry
Gonioscopy

Treatment of Glaucoma

Once glaucoma has been diagnosed, treatment should begin as soon as possible to help minimize the risk of permanent vision loss. There is no cure for glaucoma, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further damage. Treatment for each individual case depends on the type and severity of the glaucoma. Some of the treatment methods for glaucoma are:

Medication

Eye drops or oral medication may be used to either reduce fluid production in the front of the eye or to help drain excess fluid. Side effects of the medication may result in redness, stinging, irritation or blurry vision. While glaucoma often has no symptoms, regular use of the medication is needed to keep the eye pressure under control.

Laser Surgery

Trabeculoplasty, iridotomy or cyclophotocoagulation are laser procedures that aim to increase the outflow of fluid from the eye or eliminate fluid blockages.

Surgery

A trabeculectomy may be performed to create a new channel to drain fluid from the eye and reduce the pressure that causes glaucoma. Surgery is performed only after medication and laser procedures have been unsuccessful.

Prevention of Glaucoma

There is no way to prevent glaucoma from developing, however, the following suggestions may prevent glaucoma from progressing:

Get regular comprehensive eye examinations
Get an annual screening for glaucoma
Follow the doctor's recommended treatment plan
Make healthy lifestyle changes
Protect eyes from injury